ARC Raiders 2026 Quests Guide: Full Quest Walkthrough, Rewards & Headwinds Tips

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Last Updated on February 02, 2026  

If your mission log in ARC Raiders feels harder to understand than the machines hunting you, you’re not alone.

As of early 2026, ARC Raiders’ quest system has grown into a dense web of objectives tied to gear progression, blueprints, cosmetics, and long-term projects — but the game still explains very little in-game. With the Headwinds update (Patch 1.13.0) now live and more seasonal updates on the way, understanding how quests actually work is more important than ever.

This updated guide breaks down:

  • How quests function after Headwinds

  • All current quest types and notable new quests

  • What was fixed or removed

  • The best ways to optimize Expeditions

  • What’s coming next on the 2026 roadmap

Whether you’re new or returning, this guide will save you time, deaths, and frustration.

How ARC Raiders Quests Really Work (2026 Rules)

ARC Raiders 2026 Quests Guide

Before chasing objectives, you need to understand the three systems that define questing in ARC Raiders today.

🌀 Expedition Resets: The Core Risk

Most quests are tied to a single Expedition cycle. When an Expedition ends:

  • Partially completed objectives are lost

  • “Carry-out” objectives must be redone

  • Only permanent unlocks (blueprints, cosmetics, projects) persist

This makes quest sequencing more important than raw combat skill.

Tip: Don’t start long, multi-step quests late in an Expedition unless you’re confident you can finish them.

🏁 “In One Round” Quests

Some quests explicitly require:

  • One successful raid

  • No deaths

  • No early extraction

These quests punish greed and rushing. They should be attempted when:

  • Your build is stable

  • You know the extraction routes

  • You can disengage instead of fighting every threat

Failing resets the entire quest.

🎒 The Quest Economy (Why Quests Matter)

Quests do not grant XP directly, but they are one of the most important progression systems in the game. They unlock:

  • Backpacks, shields, and weapon blueprints

  • Augments and utility items

  • Cosmetics and outfits

  • Access to harder content

In practice, quests advance gear power faster than leveling.

Headwinds Update (Patch 1.13.0): What Changed for Quests

The Headwinds update, released in late January 2026, quietly reshaped how quests and exploration work.

🆕 New Systems That Affect Questing

  • Solo vs Squads toggle (Level 40+)
    Allows solo players to enter squad lobbies for higher risk and better rewards.

  • Trophy Display Project
    A long-term progression system tied to ARC parts collected through quests.
    ➜ This does NOT reset each Expedition.

  • Bird City Map Condition
    Buried City now features birds nesting in chimneys that contain loot, creating new vertical quest routes.

  • 7 New Quests Added
    Expanding exploration, combat, and interaction objectives.

These systems reward players who plan routes instead of wandering.

Updated Quest List Highlights (Headwinds Era)

ARC Raiders currently features around 65–70 total quests, completed once per Expedition cycle.

Below are notable quests players are actively completing in 2026:

Quest Name                Giver            Core Objective                                Reward Type
Combat ReconShaniScout Buried City vantage pointsOutfit + fireworks
A Prime SpecimenShaniInteract with ARC DeforesterGear / Blueprint
On Deaf EarsShaniHidden interaction questMixed rewards
The LeagueApolloPhotography & item retrievalColor scheme
With A ViewShaniStella Montis encoder puzzleHigh-tier loot
Movie NightVariousShredder encounterSpecial gear

Updated Walkthrough Tips for Key Quests

🎯 Combat Recon

You’ll scout Buried City rooftops and retrieve a Spotter Relay dropped by Spotter drones linked to Bombardiers.

Best tips:

  • Rooftop paths are safer than street level

  • Marano Park is ideal for final extraction due to metro access

  • Quest does not require one run

🧪 A Prime Specimen (Bug Awareness)

This quest requires:

  1. Two ARC Powercells

  2. Interaction with an ARC Deforester at Blue Gate

Current issue: Interaction may fail.
Workarounds:

  • Reposition and retry the prompt

  • Clear enemies first

  • If it fails repeatedly, extract and retry next run

This is a known issue and not player error.

⚽ The League

A lighter exploration quest involving:

  • Taking photos at Buried City kiosks

  • Collecting a Bicycle Pump

  • Retrieving a Deflated Football

It rewards a unique cosmetic color scheme, making it worth doing early.

🗺 With A View

One of the more complex Stella Montis quests:

  • Find a Rotary Encoder

  • Use it on control room switches

  • Extract later with an Ion Sputter

Loot is RNG-based. Assembly Workshops and control rooms remain your best bet.

Important Fixes & Removed Content (2026)

Several older frustrations no longer apply:

❌ Buried City Guitar Puzzle

  • Removed due to extreme difficulty

  • Guitar reward is now purchasable

  • Any guide referencing the puzzle is outdated

🛠 Seed Vault Extract Exploit

  • Fixed to prevent camping abuse

  • Stella Montis extractions are now fairer but riskier

If your old routes relied on these, update them.

How to Optimize Quest Runs (Pro Tips)

1️⃣ Group Quests by Map

Do not chase one quest per run.

Efficient grouping:

  • Buried City: Exploration + Bombardier objectives

  • Stella Montis: Encoder, workshop, and high-tier loot quests

  • Blue Gate: Interaction and ARC-heavy combat quests

2️⃣ Prioritize “One Round” Quests Early

Attempt them:

  • Early in the day

  • When servers are quieter

  • With conservative loadouts

Late-Expedition attempts are a gamble.

3️⃣ Use Bird City to Your Advantage

Bird chimneys in Buried City now:

  • Contain loot

  • Provide elevated paths

  • Reduce street-level exposure

They’re ideal for scouting and objective quests.

Notable Quest Rewards Worth Chasing

Quest                                        Reward
Picking Up the PiecesRattler III SMG
Clearer SkiesBackpack + Light Shield
Industrial EspionageBurletta Blueprint
A Reveal in RuinsTactical Mk.3 Augment
A Symbol of UnificationAviator Outfit

Some of the strongest early-to-mid game items are quest-locked.

Common Player Complaints (And Reality)

  • “Quests are tedious” → True if done solo without planning

  • “They’re buggy” → Some interactions are, but most are stable

  • “Rewards aren’t worth it” → False for blueprints and augments

Quests are meant to structure progression, not be speed-run content.

What’s Next: ARC Raiders 2026 Roadmap

Embark Studios has confirmed a rolling update schedule:

🌫 February – Shrouded Sky

  • New map conditions

  • Additional quests

⚡ March – Flashpoint

  • New ARC enemy variants

  • Dynamic encounters

🌊 April – Riven Tides

  • Expanded projects

  • Further progression systems

Expect new quests and quest-linked systems every major drop.

Final Advice

ARC Raiders quests aren’t side content — they are the backbone of progression.

If you:

  • Plan Expeditions properly

  • Group objectives intelligently

  • Adapt to Headwinds changes

You’ll progress faster, lose less gear, and unlock better tools for harder raids.

Survive first. Extract smart. Let the quests work for you.

🏁 Final Advice

ARC Raiders quests are a cornerstone of progression, giving you gear, blueprints, and goals to keep you moving forward through each Expedition — even as reset mechanics make timing important. By balancing quest goals, grouping runs by map, and using these walkthrough insights, you’ll save time and frustration. 

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